Isabel Klee, a popular content creator and bestselling author, has revealed the heart-wrenching decision she has made to euthanise her beloved dog Simon. This announcement comes just two months after she disclosed that Simon had been diagnosed with cancer. Klee, who operates the well-known Instagram account @SimonSits, shared the distressing news with her followers in a video posted on 22 July.
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In her emotional message, Klee expressed the difficulty of her situation, stating, “I have finally stopped crying long enough to make this video.” She described a morning filled with tears, which rendered her unable to speak or breathe. The loss of Simon, a dog who has captured the hearts of many through Klee’s social media, has been profoundly painful for her.
In May, Klee shared Simon’s diagnosis, revealing that the dog had spent several days in an intensive care unit due to seizures. During this time, vets conducted ultrasounds that uncovered a mass on Simon’s liver, determined to be cancerous. Despite initial optimistic prognoses that anticipated 8 to 10 months of life post-diagnosis, Simon’s condition has deteriorated rapidly over the past week.
According to Klee, the recent developments have been alarming. Simon has suffered several seizures, rendering him increasingly unable to function despite the medication he has been prescribed. “He is so medicated, he can hardly walk,” Klee lamented, noting the toll the illness has taken on Simon’s quality of life.
Klee acknowledged the emotional turmoil of watching Simon’s health decline, stating that both she and her partner, Jacob, had clung to hope that he would somehow return to his former self. “We keep waiting and waiting and hoping that he’s going to have this day. And it’s just not happening,” she conveyed. Simon’s veterinary team corroborated her feelings, agreeing it was time to make the compassionate decision to end Simon’s suffering.
The content creator expressed her greatest fear was causing Simon to experience a “traumatic and painful death” by delaying the inevitable. In light of this decision, Klee plans to dedicate the remaining days of Simon’s life to celebrating his existence and providing him with joys he loves most.
Concluding her emotional video, Klee extended her gratitude to her followers, recognising the vast community that has shared in Simon’s journey. “I’m so grateful not only to love him and to have been his mum, but that the world got to see how special he was,” she articulated, highlighting the collective grief felt by those who have followed their story.
Klee reflected on the impact Simon has had, affirming, “Simon’s life will have been way too short. But the amount that he has done and accomplished and the number of people that he has impacted… How can I be upset about that?” Her heartfelt tribute serves not only as a farewell to Simon but also as a reminder of the love and joy that pets bring into our lives.
Simon’s legacy has reached far beyond Klee’s personal narrative. The memoir she released on 28 April, entitled *Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About*, chronicles her journey of rehabilitating rescue dogs and navigating the complexities of life, relationships, and self-discovery. Within its pages, Klee celebrates Simon as her “first true love”, after rescuing him from the meat trade, a testament to the significant role he has played in her life.
As Klee prepares to say goodbye to Simon, she remains grateful for the many memories and experiences they have shared. The decision to part with a beloved pet is never easy, but Klee’s poignant reflection serves as a reminder of the deep bonds formed with our furry companions and the importance of cherishing every moment together.